Panel Van

A panel van is a critical facility for many small and large businesses in the UK that are into transportation and logistics. This type of van is especially ideal for conversion into a new refrigerated vehicle because of its design and cargo loading features. If in need of a panel van for your business, it is important that you select a panel van that possesses features that will add value to your operations. If in need of a refrigerator panel van, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and loading bay are all features you need to pay close attention to. There are a variety of panel van body types to pick from different leading brands. Regardless of it is a small or large panel van, Glacier Vehicles can convert the vehicle of your choice into a well-insulated new refrigerator van to serve your exact needs. Contact us today to view the variety of panel vans we have in stock.

What is a Panel Van?

Panel vans get their name from their flat windowless sides. The cargo area of a panel van is typically a flat and enclosed area with ‘window’ sections that have been blanked out. The panel van is the most popular type of van used in the UK used by small businesses. The panel van is available in a wide variety of designs from various manufacturers, and is a good choice for conversion to a used refrigerator vehicle. Because of its versatility, the panel van can be used by businesses operating in a wide range of industries, including the food, hospitality, medical, and pharmaceutical industry. To identify a panel van that best matches your business needs, you need to take into consideration factors such as which design and size best fits your operational needs. The panel van is available as a long, medium, or short wheelbase vehicle, as well with a variety of roof height options.

Benefit of a Panel Van to Your Business

Depending on the specific type of panel van you select for your business operations, there are a variety of benefits to be enjoyed from owning one. A refrigerator panel van for transportation and logistics purposes can deliver the following benefits:

• Not just food transportation

With a panel van, you are not limited in what you can do with it. You can use it solely for transporting what your business trades in, or you can lease it out to other businesses for their transportation needs. A refrigerator van is ideal for transporting perishable or other cargo that are temperature sensitive.

• Sufficient storage

Because you are able to pick the panel van that best suits your business needs, you can select one that offers maximum storage space, or one that offers just the perfect amount of storage in the cargo area. This way, you are only buying what you need for your business and nothing more.

• Confidence

By owning your own panel van, you don’t have to worry about where you can get a vehicle from to transport your goods as you already have a suitable vehicle of your own.

• Fully customisable

You can have a panel van customised as necessary to match your business needs. This includes interior customisation such as additional shelving, insulation, flooring, and so on. There’s also external customisation in the form of branding the vehicle and so on.

• Option to expand your business

Because of the versatility of the panel van, you have the option of expanding into other business operations.

How to Pick a Refrigerator Panel Van

Picking the most suitable panel van for your business needs is key to profiting the most from owning one, especially if using the vehicle as a refrigerator van. In order to select a van that’s a perfect fit, the following should be taken into consideration:

• Fuel efficiency

Present day vehicles are designed to be more fuel efficient than their predecessors. A fuel efficient vehicle is one that consumes less fuel per trip. This has significant cost benefits for a business especially one whose operations are centred on transportation and logistics. Regardless of if purchasing a diesel or petrol engine panel van, it’s important to research the vehicle’s fuel efficiency in comparison to other vans before purchasing.

• Cargo capacity

The panel van you opt for should offer enough space in the cargo area to conveniently carry the type of load you typically carry. If you typically transport large cargo, then a long wheelbase panel van is ideal. If it’s small cargo, then a short wheelbase van. If cargo load typically fluctuates between large and small, then a medium wheelbase van is advisable.

• Comfort

While the van’s ability to carry loads is important, the comfort of driver and passenger is also important. Thus, be sure to keep an eye out for what comfort facilities the panel van provides, such as air-conditioning, heater, radio, and so on.

• Manoeuvrability

If your van will mostly be used on narrow, windy roads, a van that is agile and can fit into tight spots is recommended. A larger van might give you problems on such roads, especially when parking.

• Security

The panel van of your choice should offer sufficient security features to protect your interests and cargo.

• Price

The ideal price for a panel van will depend on your needs and budget. Be sure to compare prices of used and brand new panel vans in order to discover which vehicle’s price is most in line with your goals.

Should you Buy or Lease a Panel Van?

If you buy a panel van, it’s yours to use when and how you please, including branding it for marketing purposes. You can even lease it to other businesses or sell it at a later date. You can buy a van outright or finance its purchase via a loan. If unable to fund the cost of a panel van, or you need the use of one only occasionally, you can pursue the option of leasing one when you need it. When you lease a van, you don’t actually own it and will thus not be responsible for its maintenance or other costs associated with owning one. At the same time, you will be limited by your lease contract regarding how you can use the van. For a business that requires a panel van for frequent use, it is important to note that you can over time spend more leasing than you would if buying a van outright. So before deciding if leasing or buying a van is best, look at your long term interests.

Are you in need of a Refrigerator Panel Van?

Contact Glacier Vehicles today to have your panel van converted to a refrigerator vehicle. Alternatively, you can view our catalogue of converted panel vans to select the used or brand new refrigerator vehicle that best suits your needs. If you want to buy a used refrigerated van, a used freezer van, a new refrigerated van or a new freezer van call, Glacier Vehicles on 0208 668 7579.